Age-Specific Alcohol Treatment Programs for Unique Needs
You will need to educate yourself on all the different types of programs available, in order to make the best decision for your loved one.
If you or a loved one has an alcohol addiction, then it is important to learn what alcohol treatment programs are available to help. Getting help is the first step towards recovery from an alcohol addiction and regaining control over your life. If you are helping a loved one find treatment options for an alcohol addiction, then you will need to educate yourself on all the different types of programs available, in order to make the best decision for your loved one.
One thing to consider when choosing an alcohol treatment program is if it is age specific. The age-specific aspect of a treatment program is important because people of varying ages will respond differently to the same treatment. What might be right for one person may not help another person. There are many reasons why this might be the case.
Different Ages, Different Issues to Consider
Alcohol Detox
Alcoholic detox is the procedure by which alcohol is removed from the body through a forced period of withdrawal. A licensed medical practitioner may administer other drugs designed to help limit the effects of alcohol withdrawal syndrome during the detoxification process, and the sufferer may also begin the rehabilitation program at this time.
First, people of different ages are facing different issues. An 18-year-old and a 75-year-old did not have the same problems and concerns before they came to treatment and they will have different obstacles once they leave treatment. Additionally, they more than likely began drinking for completely different reasons.
Since it is hard for people to relate to each other when there is such a big age gap present, it is best for all of those involved to be in a program with people who are closer to their age. This will help during group discussions and therapy sessions, where participants must listen to and share with one another. Not only will they be able to relate to each other better, but it may make them feel more comfortable to be in a group with others who are close to their age.
Second, as is the case with older patients, there may be additional medical support needed during their treatment. For example, when an older person is experiencing the initial detoxification stages of treatment, they may need regular medical observation to ensure that they make it through this stage safely.
Third, although a person of any age can have a mental disorder that interferes with their treatment, older people are at risk for disorders that are specific to their age. Staff who has experience only with younger patients may not know how to handle or cope with a patient that has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, it is beneficial for an older patient to go to a treatment program where the staff has a lot of experience dealing with patients of an older age.
Since it may be important for the children of an older patient to be involved with their treatment plan, they should attend a program that incorporates this into the routine. Since younger patients will have no children or children who are too young to deal with this issue, then a program that caters to all ages may not be able to accommodate this need on a regular basis. This is yet another reason why those who are older may benefit the most from an age-specific alcohol treatment program.
Hotline to Call
All in all, age-specific treatment programs can be beneficial for everyone involved. Even still, older patients will reap the most benefits from this option. If you want to learn more about age-specific alcohol treatment programs for yourself or a loved one who has an alcohol addiction, call our hotline or fill out the quick contact form to find treatment options and get in touch with the support that you need. This is a national hotline that has operators available 24 hours a day to assist you when you need help the most. Call and get connected with the help that you need today.